A culmination of learning
That phrase struck me during my conversation with Joe Hubbard. We had not met to talk about him per se, but our discussion of one of his enterprises led to an interesting insight into principles he’s held since his youth and the evolution of means by which he has employed and shared those principles. His story began near Gallatin, Missouri. For Joe, as for many boys on small farms, chores drove home the necessity and value of a good work ethic, while snatches of leisure time instilled a love for nature, livestock and rural life. He smiled as he recalled that a Shetland Pony was his babysitter.
Harsh economic factors led to the loss of the family farm and necessitated a move into a small house in town. When asked what he wanted to do when he grew up, Joe felt deeply that he wanted to have a farm with horses and cattle. But he knew that, without any inheritance of land or money, that dream was beyond his grasp. He focused on preparing for a career in some agricultural business to at least maintain a connection to the ag industry. While a student at the University of Missouri in Columbia, he interned at Archer-Daniels-Midland (ADM) learning about trading and protein markets. Upon graduation, he was hired as a market analyst by Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), headquartered in Kansas City.
Joe stated that ADM and DFA were good employers and he learned a lot at each place, but his goals and dreams pushed him to move on. Here, Joe mentioned that he spent some time in South America between high school and college, learning the culture and languages (Portuguese and Spanish). It was another of several unexpected twists in the life of a Gallatin Missouri kid that had big consequences. Eventually, someone who knew Joe had experience in the protein market and with South American culture, reached out to ask if Joe might be able to facilitate a deal. “I learned that when someone asks if you can do something, say ‘Yes’ and then get busy figuring out how to get it done.” That project, completed successfully, led to further opportunities of increasing value.
Today Joe is the founder and CEO of Integrated Proteins. The company focuses intently on being a reliable supplier of the highest-quality ingredients for pet food manufacturers. As such, Joe and his team set standards that exceeded industry levels. That has led to his company being a provider of choice for businesses the world over. You might think that would be his proudest achievement, but it’s not. “It’s been a culmination of learning” he said, reflecting on the journey of the farm kid who wound up in South America before entering a world revolving around plant and animal by-products and even playing a leading role in global markets.
One of the things he has learned is that nobody can accomplish much without support from others. He credits being in the right place at the right time, being in contact with key facilitators at crucial junctures, and having dedicated team members to bring ideas to life and even make those dreams bolder sometimes. He believes he’s become a better leader by setting certain expectations and watching team members live up to those expectations, not just at work but in their communities, too. He’s learned that with success comes an ability to multiply success exponentially by investing in people and communities. By offering jobs with good wages and benefits, he aims to help to reinvigorate communities in the area and restore a sense of dignity in work.
Another principle that Joe follows (and expects his team to follow) is that small things turn into large things with long-term effects. Those can be positive or negative. He illustrates with the example of machinery. When a job must be done and the equipment needed isn’t ready to be used or doesn’t function as it should, it causes delays and results in frustration. It’s better to address a problem when it occurs than to have to do it when work should be starting. Keeping equipment clean and properly maintained requires effort, but the effort leads to a more efficient operation, the equipment lasts longer, things look better, and people feel better. Likewise, the principle applies to one’s personal property and relationships. It’s not an instinctive concept. We all must learn it from others at some point. When we do, changes come to homes, companies, and beyond.
By the way, I asked Joe about his childhood dream. He smiled and told me that he raises registered Angus, Hereford, Wagyu and Corriente cattle, as well as performance Quarter Horses.
